Washington, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the appointment of Carter Morris and Bill Cason to be the respective Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC). ASAC is TSA's sole federal advisory committee that gives the agency recommendations for improving civil aviation security methods, equipment and procedures.

"Morris and Cason bring strong backgrounds in aviation to the table that will be invaluable assets in leading the committee," said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. "I am confident that their vision for the future of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee will be key in advising TSA as it moves forward with a more intelligence driven, risk-based approach to aviation security."

Morris is the Senior Vice President of Transportation Security Policy at the American Association of Airport Executives, responsible for all security-related programs. Cason is the Director of Security for the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations and oversees all security initiatives and efforts of the association. Both men were nominated by members of ASAC and are appointed to serve for a twelve-month period.

ASAC recently held its first meeting to reestablish the committee, following the appointment of new members by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The committee was first established in 1989. The new private sector leadership will work with TSA to establish committee priorities, schedule meetings and develop working groups to provide recommendations to enhance security for the traveling public.

For more information about TSA and the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, please visit www.tsa.gov.